Mon 17 Nov 2014 Te Anau - Queenstown

Allen back on deck fully having recovered from the virus.

Shortly after leaving Te Anau we stopped to look at Lake Manapouri.

A morning tea break and a few photo opportunities - lakes & snow-capped mountains and we arrived into Arrowtown for lunch. Arrowtown, approximately 10klm from Queenstown, was established as a result of gold discoveries in the mid1800s. A quaint little town, old gas-fired street lamps still line the older streets.

Old colonial buildings have been restored and businesses are operating from them. The stores are mainly food & tourist focused. Many alpine and adventure activities operate in the area e.g. bungee jumping, canyon swing, trekking & hiking and skiing in winter.

With full tummies we head into Queenstown for a day and a half of free time. Dinner tonight has been pre-planned and is billed as something special.

Queenstown is built around the shores of Lake Waikatipu an S-shaped lake approx 280klm long with high snow-capped mountain ranges in all directions. The permanent population is only 11,800 The area is New Zealand's alpine winter-wonderland and as such the population swells to approx 30,000. Even in summer there is much to see and do - 1,530 ft high Gondola ride up the side of the mountain, white water rafting, zip-lining, jet-boat rides, bungee jumping, canyon swinging, para-gliding & hang-gliding (a small sample).

After checking into the hotel we decide to make the most of the clear sunny day and take the Gondola ride to the top of the mountain. What magnificent views of Queenstown, the mountains and the surrounds. We had a look around to gondola summit, the stores (and thirsty work it was) before heading back down to get ready for our special dinner tonight.

Our dinner tonight began with a steamer ride down the lake from Queenstown to the Colonel's Homestead at Peaks Point about an hour sailing. The Homestead is a magnificent recreation of an original home with a huge dining hall. The menu tonight was buffet BBQ - beef, lamb, pork, chicken & fish. A real feast!!!

After dinner there was a demonstration of sheep dogs working and shearing of sheep. Then back on the steamship for the trip back to Queenstown with many joining in with a sing-along of old war songs accompanied by a pianist. An excellent night - a special highlight of the trip.

Today's temperature: Min 14 (Te Anau) Max 17 (Queenstown)

Today's insights:

Lake Manapouri was formed by glaciers and is New Zealand’s second deepest lake measuring 444 metres (1,457 ft) deep. Lake Manapouri is 178 metres (584 ft) above sea level however due to glaciers, Lake Manapouri has been cut deep into the ground and the bottom of the lake now lies 267 metres (876 ft) below sea level. The deepest lake is Lake Hauroko at 463 metres (1,519 ft).

Queenstown is New Zealand's most popular destination. 50% of all tourists to New Zealand are from Australia - many making their way to Queenstown.

Today we travelled through Garston - New Zealand's most inland town - 126 klm from both the west & east coast.

The most costly real estate in New Zealand can be found at Queenstown.